Summer 2014 Winemaker Insight

People that know me say that I never need an excuse to open a bottle of wine. More so than others, 2014 seems to be the year worthy of many toasts. Let me raise my glass to 20 years in the United States!

Looking back, I am trying to figure out where the time disappeared. I came to the Washington State wine industry in 1994 which is also when I met my wife to be, Marie-Eve Gilla.

As I was raising that glass, my thoughts went to all of you I met along the way at myriads of wine events. I cannot even begin to express my gratitude for the warm support I have received over the years. Many of you became very close friends. I would like at this time to thank you all for your friendship, since I came to the United States speaking like Beldar Conehead to now, a proud American citizen!

This year, Chester-Kidder was selected to be poured at the White House State dinner, Long Shadows launched its much awaited Wine Club, and last but certainly not least, 2014 is the year for the first release of Côté Nicault wine, part of the Long Shadows portfolio.

After raising a few more glasses, I saw the light! I decided to start my own newsletter in order to stay in touch and share more future milestones with all my friends.

Viticulture Insight
We are experiencing another warm and early season in the Columbia Valley and veraison is already upon us. 2010 and 2011 were two of the coolest vintages while 2013 and 2014 are some of the warmest alongside 2003 and 1998. To achieve the quality we are all expecting from the Long Shadows' wines, we are closely working with each grower to ensure the optimum balance between the canopy and the fruit zone, aiming for sprawling canes to shade neatly spaced clusters. At the winery, we are gearing up to be ready for an early vintage.

Long Shadows Milestones
As the winery celebrates our 10th release anniversary, all seven of our signature wines are on a highly allocated basis and prompted the creation of our wine club, the Key Club. Not only will each member have priority access to our collection, some wines of extremely limited production are crafted solely for them. The 2010 Côté Nicault was just released and sold out while Allen's wine named SHOUP will be revealed soon. It is a profound Bordeaux style wine with vintages going back to 2007! We will also have our first harvest celebration with our wine club members on September 13th.

Whether you have a question, are planning a trip to Walla Walla or just want to say "Hi!", I would love to hear from you. I hope to see you all in the near future, a glass of wine in hand.

Santé! Gilles Nicault